Devion Baker

Therapy may be ready to end when your child or family has made meaningful progress toward the goals we created together, feels more confident using new skills, and can manage challenges with less support. We will discuss progress throughout therapy and make this decision collaboratively rather than ending unexpectedly. When the time comes, we may gradually reduce sessions and create a plan for maintaining progress.

That is completely okay and very common, especially at the beginning of therapy. I do not pressure children or teens to share before they feel ready. I focus first on building trust through conversation, creativity, activities, games, and their individual interests. Some young people need time to feel safe with a new person, and I will meet your child at their pace while continuing to gently encourage engagement.

Progress can look different for every child and family. You may notice improved communication, fewer emotional or behavioral outbursts, greater use of coping skills, increased confidence, or healthier interactions at home and school. Progress is not always perfectly steady, so we will regularly review your concerns, treatment goals, and observations to determine what is improving and whether any changes are needed.

Parent communication is an important part of working with children and teens. I may provide brief updates, schedule parent check-ins, or include you in portions of sessions depending on your child’s age, needs, and treatment goals. We will discuss the best communication plan at the beginning of therapy and adjust it as needed. You are also encouraged to share important concerns or changes that may affect your child.

Teens need privacy to feel safe and speak honestly in therapy. I explain to both parents and teens what information will remain private and what may need to be shared. I will not routinely provide a detailed account of everything discussed, but I will keep parents informed about general progress, treatment goals, and ways to offer support. Confidentiality may be broken when there is a concern about abuse, neglect, or a serious risk of harm to the teen or someone else.

Sometimes. Between-session practice is based on your child’s age, needs, and treatment goals. It may include trying a coping skill, tracking emotions, practicing communication, completing a creative activity, or working on a family exercise. I keep these activities realistic and meaningful, so they support progress without feeling like additional schoolwork.